Support element, an integrated module for extracorporeal blood treatment comprising the support element, an apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment equipped with the integrated module, and an assembly process for an integrated module for extracorporeal blood treatment

ABSTRACT

An integrated module for extracorporeal blood treatment comprises a flat-shaped support element which exhibits on an internal face thereof a complex of fluid distribution lines and on an external face thereof a high-flow dialyzer. The support element comprises a base body ( 1 ) which exhibits fixture seatings ( 2 ), each of which houses an axially extended tract ( 38 ) of a fluid distribution line. The tract of line, with respect to adjacent tracts, has an increased diameter which is caused by a junction collar ( 39 ) made of a rigid material. Each fixture seating exhibits two axial locators ( 3   a,    3   b ) for positioning the axial tract of line in a fixed position. The locators ( 3   a,    3   b ) interact with the junction collar ( 39 ). The distribution lines are fixed to the base body ( 1 ) by a resilient fixture of the junction collars ( 39 ) in the seatings, with no necessity of gluing. The module is destined to be mounted on an apparatus for intensive treatment of renal insufficiency.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a support element, to an integrated module for extracorporeal treatment of blood comprising the support element, and to an apparatus for extracorporeal treatment of blood equipped with the integrated module. The invention further relates to an assembly process of an integrated module for extracorporeal treatment of blood.

[0002] Specifically, though not exclusively, the invention can be usefully applied to the field of extracorporeal treatment of blood for treatment of renal insufficiency.

[0003] The prior art teaches apparatus for blood treatment which remove blood from the patient in a line, carry out an extracorporeal treatment on the blood and then return the treated blood to the patient. Apparatus of this type are used for various treatments; for example therapeutic and non-therapeutic plasmapheresis, extracorporeal oxygenation of blood, purification of blood and removal of water in cases of renal insufficiency. The present invention will be described with particular reference to intensive treatment of renal insufficiency, without any limitation being placed on the ambit of the invention to this specific application thereof.

[0004] EP 0 611 227 teaches a multifunctional integrated module for application to a multifunction apparatus for intensive treatment of renal insufficiency, in particular for hemodialysis, hemofiltration and hemodiafiltration. The integrated module comprises a support element, a blood treatment device mounted on the support element and a complex of fluid distribution lines cooperating with the treatment device and associated to the support element. The blood treatment device comprises a semi-permeable membrane which separates two chambers. The distribution line complex comprises a blood withdrawal line from the patient (or arterial line) connected to an inlet of a first chamber of the treatment device, a return line (or venous line) of the treated blood to the patient, connected to an outlet of the first chamber, an infeed line of a treatment fluid (for example a dialysis liquid) connected to an inlet of the second chamber of the treatment device, a waste fluid discharge line connected to an outlet of the second chamber, an infusion line of a substitution liquid which :is introduced into at least one of the blood lines, an anticoagulant infusion line which is introduced into the arterial line. The support element comprises a plate-shaped body made of press-formed plastic material. The complex of fluid distribution lines is fixed to the support element at gluing points and zones which are predefined on an internal face of the plate-shaped body, while the treatment device is mounted on the external face of the plate-shaped body itself.

[0005] During use, the integrated module is mounted on the blood treatment device and set up following a predefined and simple interconnection procedure so that the treatment device is connected, by the distribution lines, to the cardiovascular system of the patient as well as to suitable containers for access and collection to and of the fluids used in the process. Some distribution lines of the module are coupled with respective peristaltic pumps which the apparatus is equipped with. The pumps invoke circulation of the fluids in the lines; the lines are each provided with a U-shaped arched segment, preformed during assembly of the module and intended for coupling to a pump. On mounting the integrated module on the apparatus the various arched segments of the distribution lines are easily couplable about the peristaltic pumps, so that the latter are immediately operative.

[0006] The integrated module is of a disposable type, i.e. destined to be disposed of, usually after a first use, and substituted by another.

[0007] The above-described integrated module has the advantage of being easily and rapidly installed on the treatment device. The simple and rapid set-up of the module is particularly advantageous for renal insufficiency intensive treatments, in which the personnel at work is often not expert in the use of machines for blood treatment and where the urgent readying and application of the machine is often of vital importance. Similarly, the dismounting of the module is equally rapid and simple.

[0008] The prior art as described above is susceptible to improvement at various levels:

[0009] firstly, the fact that the integrated module has to be totally eliminated after use, including parts such as, for example, the plastic support element, which does not come into direct contact with bodily fluids;

[0010] secondly, the assembly of the integrated module, which is a rather delicate stage, as high precision of positioning of the U-segments of the distribution lines on the support element is required, so that correct coupling with the peristaltic pumps can be achieved;

[0011] thirdly, in relation to the long set-up times and high costs of assembly of the integrated module, which must include a relatively complicated and laborious stage of precise positioning and gluing of the various distribution lines in predetermined gluing zones on the support element.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention provides a support element for an integrated module for extracorporeal blood treatment thanks to which the module itself can be rapidly assembled and mounted on a blood treatment device.

[0013] The invention enables a simplification of the operations for assembly of the integrated module, reduces the scope for error in positioning the distribution lines on the support element, improves precision in the couplings between the U-segments of the distribution lines and the peristaltic pumps of the blood treatment apparatus, enables, after use, a simple and practical separation of the support element from the fluid distribution lines, reduces assembly costs and times of the integrated module.

[0014] The above objectives are all achieved by a support element made according to one or more of the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will better emerge from the detailed description of a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of a support element according to the present invention. The description is made herein below with reference to the accompanying figures of the drawings, which are given by way of example and which are non-limiting.

[0016]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the internal face of the base body of the support element.

[0017]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the external face of the base body of FIG. 1.

[0018]FIG. 3 is a plan view of the internal face of FIG. 1.

[0019]FIG. 4 is an enlarged detail of FIG. 3.

[0020]FIG. 5 is section V-V of FIG. 4.

[0021]FIG. 6 is section VI-VI of FIG. 4.

[0022]FIG. 7 is section VII-VII of FIG. 4.

[0023]FIG. 8 is section VIII-VIII of FIG. 4.

[0024]FIG. 9 is section IX-IX of FIG. 4.

[0025]FIG. 10 is section X-X of FIG. 3.

[0026]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the upper face of the cover of the support element.

[0027]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the lower face of the cover of FIG. 11.

[0028] Figures from 13 to 16 show, in section, four coupling zones between the cover and the base body.

[0029]FIG. 17 is an apparatus for intensive treatment of renal insufficiency predisposed to receive an integrated module for blood treatment comprising the support element of the preceding figures.

[0030]FIG. 18 is a diagram of a multifunctional integrated module, able to perform treatments with a pre-infusion of liquid into the extracorporeal blood circuit, operatively connected to the apparatus of FIG. 17.

[0031]FIG. 19 is a diagram of another multifunctional integrated module, able to perform a post-infusion, associated to the apparatus of FIG. 17.

[0032]FIG. 20 is a tract of a distribution line including a pump segment comprised between two joint collars 39.

[0033]FIG. 21 is a longitudinal section of FIG. 20.

[0034]FIG. 22 is an exploded view of FIG. 21 in which some components of the distribution line are illustrated before assembly.

[0035]FIGS. 23, 24, 25 and 26 show FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 9 with the joint collar 39 coupled in the fixture seating.

LEGEND

[0036]1 Base body of the integrated module for extracorporeal blood treatment

[0037]2 Fixture seatings for joint-fixture of line tracts 38

[0038]3 a Axial reference locator for positioning of a line tract 38 arranged in the fixture seating 2 in an external direction of the base body 1

[0039]3 b Axial reference locator cooperating with locator 3 a and arranged in the fixture seating in an internal direction of the base body 1

[0040]4 Through-hole located on the bottom of the seating 2 through which an extraction force can be applied from below on the tract of line 38 constrained in the fixture seating 2

[0041]5 Lateral walls laterally defining the fixture seating 2

[0042]6 Reliefs developing in an internal direction of the fixture seating 2 from the lateral walls 5

[0043]7 Raised edge rising from the perimeter of the base body 1

[0044]8 Cover of the integrated module couplable to the base body 1

[0045]9 Flexible tabs associated to the base body 1 for fitting the cover 8

[0046]10 Recesses on the cover 8 cooperating with the tabs 9

[0047]11 Guide channels associated to the base body 1 for housing two superposed channels of the fluid distribution line

[0048]12 Joint elements associated to the base body 1 for receiving and constraining the fluid distribution lines

[0049]13 Teeth projecting downwards from the cover 8 for limiting the raising of the tracts of line 38 constrained in the fixture seatings 2

[0050]13′ Teeth projecting downwards from the cover 8 and situated in proximity or in contact with the internal side of the raised edge 7 for aiding fitting and positioning of the cover 8 on the base body 1

[0051]14 First connector associated to the base body 1 for mounting the treatment device 37 to the base body 1

[0052]15 Second connector for mounting the treatment device 37

[0053]16 Third connector for mounting the treatment device 37

[0054]17 First terminal portion of a connector for fluid connection with the treatment device 37

[0055]18 Second terminal portion of a connector for fluid connection with a fluid distribution line

[0056]19 Sealing collar external of the first terminal portion 17

[0057]20 Connection wall connecting the sealing collar 19 with the first portion 17

[0058]31 Blood withdrawal line (arterial line)

[0059]32 Blood return line (venous line)

[0060]33 Substitution fluid infeed line (pre-infusion line and/or post-infusion line according to the type of integrated module)

[0061]34 Supply line of a treatment fluid (for example, a dialysis liquid)

[0062]35 Discharge line of a waste fluid

[0063]36 Supply line of an anticoagulant fluid

[0064]37 Blood treatment device (for example a dialysis filter)

[0065]38 Axial tracts of line with increased external diameter, destined for use in the fixture seatings 2 on the base body 1

[0066]39 Joint collars causing the increase in diameter of line tracts 38

[0067]51 Apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment destined to receive the integrated module

[0068]52 Housing zone for the integrated module on the apparatus 51

[0069]53 Peristaltic pumps predisposed on the apparatus 51.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] The support element is used as a component of a multifunctional integrated module for extracorporeal blood treatment, in which the integrated module is operatively associable to a multifunctional apparatus for treatment of renal insufficiency. The integrated module is used in particular for intensive treatment of renal insufficiency.

[0071] The integrated module comprises the support element, a blood treatment device mounted on the support element, and a complex of fluid distribution lines associated to the support element and cooperating with the treatment device. Each distribution line comprises at least one flexible tube.

[0072] The Support Element.

[0073] With reference to figures from 1 to 16, the following is a description of the support element. It comprises a base body 1 which in turn comprises a part consisting of a flat plate with a plurality of perimeter edges giving the body 1 a polygonal shape. In more detail, the flat plate has a rhomboid central part and two projecting parts, upper and lower, also rhomboid and extending along a common longitudinal axis.

[0074] The base body 1 exhibits means for connecting, for receiving and constraining the complex of fluid distribution lines. The means for connecting project from an internal face of the flat plate of the base body 1 and are made in a single piece there-with by press-forming (injection) of a plastic material.

[0075] The means for connecting the complex of lines comprise a plurality of fixture seatings 2 located on the periphery of the central rhomboid part of the base body 1. In more detail, the base body 1 exhibits two fixture seatings 2, paired and beside the other, for each side of the rhombus. Each fixture seating 2 is predisposed and configured for a resilient press-fitting and joint-fitting of a corresponding tract of a fluid distribution line, as will better emerge from the following description.

[0076] Each fixture seating 2 is axially elongate, in the shape of a superiorly-open channel, for receiving a corresponding axially elongate tract of a fluid distribution line. The housing channel is also open at opposite ends thereof. Each fixture seating 2 is provided with two axial reference locators 3 a, 3 b, respectively external and internal, axially distanced and opposite, between which the tract of line will be positioned and constrained. Each fixture seating 2 can be provided with a single reference locator 3 a or 3 b for the positioning of the tract of line in the fixed position.

[0077] Each axial locator 3 a, 3 b, is fashioned from a raised edge projecting towards the inside of the fixture seating 2 at an axial end opening of the fixture seating 2. The raised edge cooperates contactingly with a corresponding projection, in the form of an annular abutment, predisposed externally of the tract of line destined to be engaged in the fixture seating 2, as will be better explained herein below. The coupling between a projection on the tract of line and the corresponding internal raised edge determines a correct and precise positioning of the tract of line in the fixture seating 2.

[0078] In more detail, the means for connecting the lines comprise a plurality of pairs of fixture seatings 2; the fixture seatings of each pair are situated side-by-side on the periphery of the base body 1 and receive and constrain two tracts of end of a U-shaped arched segment of a line. Each pair of fixture seatings 2 is arranged on a different perimeter side of the rhomboid central part of the base body 1, each pair having a different orientation with respect to the other pairs. The U-shaped segment cooperates with a peristaltic pump belonging to the treatment apparatus, as will be better explained herein below (the segment is known as the pump segment for this reason). The U-shaped pump segment projects externalwise beyond the periphery of the base body 1.

[0079] In more detail, each fixture seating 2 extends axially in length, with a rounded-U-shaped transversal section, to receive an axial tract of a fluid distribution line, and exhibits at two opposite axial ends two undercut surfaces corresponding to two opposite axial directions of the tract of fluid distribution line in the longitudinal seating. The two axial undercut surfaces are fashioned from the two above-mentioned raised edges and result in axial locators 3 a and 3 b which, as mentioned above, determine the axial positioning of the tract of line in the constrained position thereof.

[0080] The upper opening for forced insertion of the tract of line has at least one end part, facing externalwise of the base body 1 (i.e. towards the U-shaped arched segment of the corresponding fluid distribution line), having a passage section which is narrower than the maximum width of the seating: that is, the upper entrance to the channel is narrower with respect to the “real” width of the seating, i.e. the part of the seating where the tract of line is housed when in the constrained position. The tract of line inserted into the channel of the seating has an external diameter which is greater than the minimum width of the passage section, so as to create a friction insertion, and has a diameter which is about equal to the maximum width of the fixture seating, so that the tract of line inserted and fixed in the seating is not crushed, or in any case only very lightly crushed by the walls of the seating.

[0081] Each fixture seating 2 inferiorly exhibits a through-hole 4, facing the upper insertion opening, through which a pressure from below can be exerted on the tract of line constrained in the fixture seating in order to extract it (if this is envisaged after use of the integrated module) through the upper insertion opening.

[0082] Each fixture seating 2 exhibits an axial end tract which extends axially internally of the perimeter of the base body 1 and an axial end tract which extends externally.

[0083] As mentioned above, each fixture seating 2 comprises an upper opening for insertion of a tract of line predisposed for the insertion. At least a part of the length of the upper opening projects externally beyond the perimeter edge of the base body 1. In more detail, the opening is laterally delimited by two lateral walls 5 located side-by-side, each of which walls 5 exhibits an upper edge. The upper opening of the channel is delimited by the upper edges of the two lateral walls 5. In the part of the opening projecting beyond the base body 1, the two upper edges of the lateral walls 5 are straight (and continuous) and parallel one to another, so that the upper opening of the seating extends in a same plane as the lie plane of the upper edges of the lateral walls 5, which are conformed so that the upper opening is flat and extends throughout the length of the seating, or at least for the part thereof which extends beyond the perimeter edge of the base body 1.

[0084] Each of the two lateral walls 5 internally exhibits a lateral relief 6 projecting from the wall 5 towards the inside of the opening to define an undercut surface with respect to an extraction direction of the tract of line through the upper opening of the seating: the two reliefs 6, one for each lateral wall 5, face towards and cooperate with each other in order to obstruct the extraction of the tract of line from the channel of the seating.

[0085] Each undercut surface, and the lateral relief 6 giving rise to the undercut surface, is predisposed inferiorly of the upper edge of the lateral wall 5; in other words each lateral relief 6 emerges laterally from a side of the lateral wall 5, without emerging upwards, i.e. beyond the upper edge of the wall 5 itself. Each lateral relief 6 is situated in a part of end of the seating facing towards the U-shaped line segment (the pump segment). Each undercut surface is inclined with respect to the extraction direction of the tract of line so that the line can be extracted by force; in effect, the undercut surface lends a certain stability to the positioning of the tract of line with respect to extraction, while the inclination of the undercut surface is such that, by acting with an appropriate extracting force, the tract of line can be removed from its fixture seating.

[0086] Each fixture seating 2 exhibits two series of undercut surfaces which operate in two reciprocally transversal directions of movement of the tract of line with respect to the seating: one of the directions is that of axial sliding (in this case the undercut surfaces are situated on the locators 3 a and 3 b and act in opposite directions) and the other direction is the extraction direction, through the upper opening for forced insertion. The combined action of these undercut surfaces determines the stable and precise positioning of the tract of line in the fixture seating 2.

[0087] The internal face of the base body 1, i.e. the face from which the means for connecting for the various lines emerge, exhibits a raised perimeter edge 7 for laterally containing at least a part of the complex of distribution lines.

[0088] In other words, the base body 1 comprises a vertical front wall (where front and vertical relate to the work position of the module on the blood treatment apparatus) which comprises the flat plate-shaped part, and a perimeter wall (i.e. the raised edge 7) arranged on the back of the front wall (once more with reference to the work position of the integrated module when mounted on the apparatus). The perimeter wall in effect develops in a distancing direction from the posterior side of the front wall and defines a work seating in which at least a part of the complex of fluid distribution lines can be housed, which lines are destined to be associated to the support element. The height of the raised edge 7 is at least double that of the external diameter of a tube of a fluid distribution line; therefore the work seating can contain two tubes, one above another.

[0089] The support element further comprises a cover 8 coupled to the base body 1, which cover 8 is provided for closing at least a part of the complex of distribution lines associated to the means for connecting. The cover 8 at least partially closes the work seating housing the lines. The cover 8 helps keep the fluid distribution lines in a stable position in the work seating. The cover 8, with the module in the work position on the apparatus, is situated behind the front wall of the base body 1.

[0090] The base body 1 comprises means for hooking for removably coupling the cover 8 to the base body 1, made in a single piece with the base body 1 itself. A part of the means for hooking is predisposed on the perimeter of the base body 1, while another part thereof is arranged internally of the perimeter. The means for hooking comprise a plurality of flexible tabs 9 which emerge from the base body 1 and which are each provided with an engaging tooth which couples with a recess 10 in the cover 8. The cover 8 exhibits at its centre a through-hole on a rim of which some of the recesses 10 are afforded, while others of the recesses 10 are arranged on the external perimeter.

[0091] Various guide channels of the distribution lines emerge from the internal face of the base body 1; these channels are both curved and straight and define pathways followed by the distribution lines. Each channel is defined by two lateral walls, side-by-side and parallel. The reciprocal distance of two side-by-side walls is about equal to an external diameter of the tubes. For some channels, indicated by 11, the lateral walls are configured and arranged in such a way that a height of the channel is at least double a width thereof; these channels 11 are able to house or laterally contain two tracts of line, one above another.

[0092] The internal face of the base body 1 also exhibits some pairs of fixture elements 12 for resilient fixture of lines. The fixture elements 12 of each pair cooperate and are arranged one in front of another in a same pair; they hold the distribution lines firm and tight.

[0093] The cover 8 closes off at least a part of the internal face bearing the means for connecting the lines. The cover 8 extends in a sort of flat plate shape, with a perimeter that corresponds to the perimeter of the internal face of the base body 1. Thus it comprises a rhomboid central part with two end parts, one upper and the other lower, also rhomboid and arranged along a median longitudinal axis of the cover 8. At a centre thereof the central part of the cover 8 exhibits the above-cited through-hole, which is rectangular in shape. With the cover 8 coupled to the base body 1, a containment space is defined between the internal face of the base body 1 and an internal face of the cover 8, which closes at least a part of the complex of distribution lines.

[0094] On a periphery of the central part thereof, the cover 8 exhibits a plurality of teeth 13, projecting downwards, each of which is associated to a fixture seating 2. Each tooth 13, when the cover 8 is coupled to the base body 1, at least partially enters a respective fixture seating and thus limits a raising of the tract of line constrained in the fixture seating 2. When the cover 8 is mounted on the base body 1, the lower end of each tooth 13 is located slightly above the undercut surface on the relief 6 which prevents a raising of the tract of line constrained in the fixture seating 2. Should the tract of line be raised beyond the undercut surface, the teeth 13 provide a guarantee against further raising thereof.

[0095] On an external face thereof located opposite to the internal face, the base body 1 also exhibits means for connecting, for attaching a blood treatment device (for example a high-flow dialyzer). The means for connecting are also made in a single piece with the base body 1, by press-forming. The means for connecting the dialyzer comprise a first and a second connector, 14 and 15, associated to the base body 1 and located at a distance one from the other; they are destined to receive and engage with corresponding seatings afforded on the blood treatment device which is mountable on the support element. The first and second connectors 14 and 15 are made in a single piece with the base body 1. There is also a third connector 16, distanced from the first and second connectors 14 and 15 and made in a single piece with the base body 1. The three connectors 14, 15 and 16 define, in combination one with another one, a plurality of pairs of connectors having differentiated interaxes for engaging with corresponding pairs of seatings associated to different blood treatment devices mountable on the support element. The three connectors 14, 15 and 16, are unaligned with one another.

[0096] Each connector 14, 15 and 16 defines a fluid passage having a first terminal portion 17, destined to be set in fluid communication with a corresponding channel in a respective seating on the blood treatment device, and a second terminal portion 18, destined to be set in fluid communication with one of the fluid distribution lines associable to the base body 1. The fluid passage is integrated in the connectors 14, 15 and 16, which are in turn made in a single piece with the base body 1.

[0097] In more detail, each connector 14, 15, 16 comprises a tubular channel, which defines the first terminal portion 17, a sealing collar 19, located in a radially external position to the tubular channel, and a connecting wall 20 which develops continuously between an external lateral surface of the tubular channel and an internal lateral surface of the sealing collar 19, defining an annular seating for engaging each seating. The tubular channel is coaxially arranged with respect to the sealing collar 19. The annular seating exhibits a bottom which is delimited by the connecting wall 20. The annular seating exhibits an increasing radial dimension as it progresses from the bottom connecting wall 18; it comprises a first zone, adjacent to the bottom and having a constant radial dimension; a second zone, distal with respect to the bottom and having a constant radial dimension which is greater than the radial dimension of the first zone; and a third zone, which is a transit zone between the first and second zones and which has a progressively growing radial dimension as it progresses away from the bottom connecting wall 20.

[0098] Each connector 14, 15 and 16, is directly constrained to the base body 1.

[0099] The tubular channel, i.e. the channel defining the first terminal portion 17, and the sealing collar 19 of each seating 14, 15 and 16, are parallel to one another in the base body 1, defining a single coupling direction with the corresponding connectors of a treatment device.

[0100] The base body 1 and the connectors 14, 15 and 16 of the blood treatment device (located on the external face of the base body 1) are made of a rigid material in order to offer a good mechanical support for the device.

[0101] The Complex of Fluid Distribution Lines.

[0102] The fluid distribution lines comprise flexible tubes having internal sections for fluid passage which internal sections are the same for all the tubes.

[0103] The complex of fluid distribution lines associated to the support element comprises: a blood withdrawal line 31, a blood return line 32, a substitute fluid infeed line 33, a treatment fluid infeed line 34 (for example a dialysis liquid), a waste fluid discharge line 35, and an anticoagulant infeed line 36.

[0104]37 denotes a blood treatment device mounted on the support element and comprising a first and a second chamber, separated from each other by a semi-permeable membrane. The blood treatment device 37 is selected from a group comprising devices for: hemofiltration, hemodialysis, high-flow dialyzers and hemodiafiltration devices. In the illustrated embodiment the treatment device is a high-flow dialyzer.

[0105] The blood withdrawal line 31 is connected to the first chamber of the treatment device 37. The blood return line 32 receives the treated blood exiting from the first chamber and returns it to the patient. The treatment fluid infeed line 34 is fluidly connected to an inlet of the second chamber of the blood treatment device 37. The treatment fluid (dialysis liquid) is destined to receive, through the semi-permeable membrane, the impurities present in the patient's blood and the excess fluid which is to be removed from the blood. The waste fluid discharge line 35 is fluidly connected to an outlet of the second chamber and carries the waste fluid exiting from the blood treatment device 37 to a collection recipient.

[0106] The blood treatment device 37 comprises a blood withdrawal port, a blood return port, a treatment fluid inlet port and a waste fluid discharge port, in fluid connection (respectively) with the blood withdrawal line 31, the blood return line 32, the treatment fluid supply line 34 and the waste fluid discharge line 35.

[0107] The substitution fluid infeed line 33 receives an infusion or substitution fluid from a source (for example a tank or bag) and feeds it through a Y connection to a blood circulation line; or to the blood withdrawal line 31 (pre-infusion upstream of the blood treatment device 37, as in the example of FIG. 8) or to the blood return line 32 (post-infusion downstream of the blood treatment device 37, as in the example of FIG. 19).

[0108] The anticoagulant supply line 36 infeeds an anticoagulant into the blood withdrawal line 31 through a Y connection.

[0109] The blood withdrawal line 31, the substitution fluid infeed line 33, the treatment fluid infeed line 34, the waste fluid discharge line 35, each exhibit at least two tracts 38 having a predetermined length and an increased external diameter with respect to adjacent tracts thereof. The two tracts 38 having increased external diameter are arranged on the respective line at a predetermined distance one from the other. Each axial tract 38 having an increased external diameter gives rise to two external abutments. Each axial tract 38 with increased external diameter comprised between the two abutments will be press-inserted in a corresponding fixture seating 2 arranged on the periphery of the base body 1. When the complex of distribution lines is applied to the support element, each segment of line comprised between two axial tracts 38 having an increased external diameter (the pump segment) is arranged in a U-shaped arch, and is coupled to a peristaltic pump belonging to the treatment device, which pump invokes circulation of fluid in the line. The length of the segment of line comprised between the two tracts of line 38 (pump segment) is predetermined in order to guarantee a correct coupling with the peristaltic pump.

[0110] In more detail, each axial tract of line 38 with an increased external diameter comprises a joint collar 39 which contains and coaxially joins two end parts and two adjacent tracts of line: a part of an end of a tract of line is inserted into the collar 39 up to not more than half of the length of the collar 39 itself, through an axial opening in the collar 39, while the part of end of the other tract of line is inserted into the axial hole at the other end of the collar 39. A stable joint of the collar 39 with the end parts of the tracts of line can be achieved by known means, for example by hot-welding. The inter diameter of the joint collar 39 is about the same as the external diameter of the tubes forming the distribution lines. The U-shaped segment (pump segment) comprises a tube having two opposite ends inserted in two joint collars 39 and in fluid connection with two ends of two tubes, also inserted, but on the opposite side, in the same joint collars. The material used for making the arched segments of tube is suitable for operation with the peristaltic pumps and is different to the material used for the other two tubes coupled to the joint collar 39, which undergo no interaction with the peristaltic pumps. Each joint collar 39 is made of a more rigid material that that of the tracts of line the collar 39 joins. During the assembly stage of the integrated module the collar 39 is inserted snugly into the fixture seating 2. The axial length of the joint collar 39 is about the same as the axial distance between the axial locators 3 a and 3 b located in the fixture seating 2. The collars 39 can be slightly longer or shorter, depending on whether the desired coupling between the collar 39 and the seating 2 is achieved by axial interference or with axial play. The external diameter of the collar 39 is about the same as or slightly smaller than the maximum width of the fixture seating 2; the diameter is also greater than the minimum width of the upper insertion opening of the fixture seating 2, so that the insertion of the joint collar 39 in the fixture seating 2 is achieved by resilient friction fitting.

[0111] As previously mentioned, the length of the segment of line comprised between two joint collars 39 (pump segment) is predefined in order to obtain, once the line is coupled to the support element, a U-shaped segment precisely positioned and shaped for interaction with the peristaltic pump.

[0112] The arrangement of the complex of distribution lines on the integrated module is described in more detail herein below.

[0113] The Integrated Module.

[0114]FIGS. 18 and 19 show two integrated modules which are different essentially because of the different configurations of the distribution lines. In more detail, in the first of the modules (FIG. 18), the substitution fluid infeed line 33 is inserted into the blood withdrawal line 31 (pre-infusion), while in the second module (FIG. 19) the substitution fluid infeed line 33 (the same numbers are used in the two figures for the sake of simplicity) is inserted into the blood return line 32 (post-infusion).

[0115] The Extracorporeal Blood Treatment Apparatus.

[0116] The extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus, illustrated in FIG. 17 and indicated in its entirety by 51, comprises a housing zone 52 predisposed for receiving the integrated module for extracorporeal blood treatment (selectively one of the two above-described modules); the four peristaltic pumps 53 are located by the side of the housing zone 52 and are operatively associated to the four U-shaped segments of the fluid distribution lines in the integrated module. The apparatus can be used to perform treatments requiring the use of fewer than four pumps, in cooperation with appropriate modules provided with fewer than four U-shaped segments. The apparatus 51 further comprises a central treatment control unit, of known type and not illustrated, which controls the various treatment procedures. No special explanation of these is necessary in the present description.

[0117] The axial locators 3 a and 3 b ensure the precision in position and stability of the U-shaped segment cooperating with the peristaltic pumps 53. One locator alone, either external 3 a or internal 3 b according to the rotation direction of the corresponding pump 53, can be provided for each fixture seating 2; the locator will operate contrastingly to the action of the pump in relation to the tract of line constrained in the fixture seating 2, which action can be drawing or thrusting according to the direction of the pump and the position of the fixture seating 2 (if the seating 2 is located upstream of the pump the tube housed in the seating is drawn by the pump, while if the seating 2 is located downstream of the pump the tube is thrust). Both locators 3 a and 3 b can be provided in one alone of the two fixture seatings 2 located at the ends of a U-shaped segment (pump segment); and one locator 3 a, 3 b alone can be provided in one alone of the two fixture seatings 2 located at an end of a U-shaped segment.

[0118] The lateral reliefs 6, which define a narrow-section upper inlet of the fixture seating, are also undercuts which hold the tract of line engaged in the fixture seating 2 in position.

[0119] Integrated Module Assembly.

[0120] The assembly of the integrated module for fluid treatment comprises the following stages:

[0121] manufacture of the support element, for example by press-forming the plastic material of the two pieces which make up the element: the base body 1 and the cover 8;

[0122] fixing the blood treatment device to the support element, in particular to the external face of the base body 1;

[0123] associating the complex of distribution lines for the fluids to the support element and to the treatment device.

[0124] Fitting the treatment device to the support element includes the following stages:

[0125] Selecting a pair of connectors from connectors 14, 15 and 16, to which the seatings on the treatment device are to be fixed;

[0126] Depositing a predetermined quantity of glue on the annular seatings of each selected connector;

[0127] At least partially inserting each seating in the respective annular seating in order to achieve a mechanical lock and a liquid-sealed coupling; during the insertion stage, at least a portion of the predetermined quantity of glue enters the second zone of the annular seating, i.e. the upper broadened zone which is radially larger than the bottom zone of the annular seating; on conclusion of the insertion stage, the volume of the glue added to the volume of the portion of seating housed in the annular seating is lower than the overall volume of the annular seating, in order to avoid any glue exiting from the seating and occupying even minimally the fluid passage zone.

[0128] The coupling of the complex of fluid distribution lines to the support element comprises an insertion stage of the junction collars 39 internally of the fixture seatings 2. This stage is performed by a simple pressure fit, taking care to make sure the abutments formed by each junction collar 39 meet with the locators 3 a and 3 b of the respective fixture seating 2. The junction collar 39 is friction-fitted in the fixture seating 2 through the upper opening defined between the lateral walls 5, which opening is narrower than the diameter of the junction collar 39. The junction collar 39, which externally identifies the axial tract of line engaged in the fixture seating 2, is thus stably joint-coupled in the seating 2, with no need for glues and with considerable precision of positioning thanks to the coupling between the locators 3 a and 3 b and the ends of the junction collar 39.

[0129] The cover 8 is coupled to the base body 1 after the distribution lines have been engaged. The cover 8 at least partially closes off the lines engaged to the base body 1 and guarantees the lines' housed stability.

[0130] The integrated module is destined to be replaced by a new module. The support element can be easily separated from the distribution lines and the treatment device and re-used, after suitable washing and sterilizing procedures, as a support element for a new treatment module; or it can be disposed of suitably.

[0131] Detaching the distribution lines is done by removing the cover 8 and extracting the complex of lines from the housing zone on the base body 1: the extraction procedure is made easier by the through-holes 4 which enable an extracting pressure to be exerted from the bottom on the collars 39, causing the lines to exit through the upper openings of the fixture seatings 2. 

1. A support element for an integrated module for extracorporeal blood treatment, comprising: a base body; at least one fixture seating located on the base body and axially extended for housing an axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line; at least one axial locator arranged in said seating fixture for positioning said axial tract of line in a fixed position, said at least one axial locator being destined to interact with a corresponding element predisposed on said axial tract of line.
 2. The support element of claim 1, comprising two axial locators axially reciprocally distanced, between which the axial tract of line is positioned in a fixed position.
 3. The support element of claim 1, wherein the fixture seating comprises a superiorly-open channel for insertion of the axial tract of line and wherein said at least one axial locator comprises an edge projecting internally of the channel from a wall delimiting the channel.
 4. The support element of claim 1, comprising at least one pair of the fixture seatings arranged side-by-side on a periphery of the base body, the at least one pair of fixture seatings receiving two tracts of end of a U-shaped segment of at least one line, the U-shaped segment being destined to cooperate with a peristaltic pump.
 5. The support element of claim 4, wherein the U-shaped segment projects externally beyond the periphery of the base body.
 6. The support element of claim 4, wherein the base body has a part which is flat plate-shaped with a plurality of perimeter sides which define a polygonal shape of the base body and wherein the base body exhibits a plurality of pairs of fixture seatings, each pair thereof being made up of two fixture seatings arranged side-by-side and reciprocally parallel and arranged on one of the plurality of perimeter sides.
 7. The support element of claim 1, wherein the axial locator comprises a surface which is undercut with respect to an axial direction of the axial tract of line.
 8. The support element of claim 1, wherein the fixture seating is predisposed and configured for forced insertion and resilient joint-coupling of the axial tract of line, the fixture seating having at least one opening for insertion of the axial tract of line, a passage section of the at least one opening being at least partially smaller in width than a maximum width of the fixture seating.
 9. The support element of claim 1, wherein the fixture seating is delimited by a surface for receiving the axial tract of line, which surface exhibits at least two undercut surfaces predisposed and configured for obstructing displacements of the axial tract of line with respect to the fixture seating in two reciprocally transversal displacement directions, namely an axial direction and an upwards extraction direction passing through an upper insertion opening.
 10. The support element of claim 1, wherein the fixture seating superiorly exhibits at least one opening for forced insertion of the axial tract of line and inferiorly exhibits at least one through-hole, facing the insertion opening and through which a pressure can be exerted from below on the axial tract of line when engaged in the fixture seating, enabling extraction of the axial tract of line through the superior opening for forced insertion.
 11. The support element of claim 1, wherein: the fixture seating is defined by a channel having a superior opening for insertion of the axial tract of line; the channel extends axially and at least partially axially projects in an externalwise direction beyond a perimeter border of the base body; the channel is laterally delimited by two walls arranged side-by-side, each of which two walls exhibits an upper edge; the insertion opening is delimited by the upper edges of the two lateral walls; at least one lateral relief projects from at least one of the two lateral walls and projects inwardly of the channel; the at least one lateral relief defining an undercut surface with respect to an extraction direction of the axial tract of line through the superior opening of the channel; the undercut surface is predisposed inferiorly of the upper edge of the lateral wall.
 12. The support element of claim 11, comprising two lateral reliefs, one for each lateral wall, which two lateral reliefs face one another and cooperate to obstruct an extraction of the axial tract of line.
 13. The support element of claim 11, wherein the channel is destined to constrain a tract of end of a segment of U-shaped line, operatively associable to a peristaltic pump, and wherein each lateral relief is situated in a part of end of the channel which part of end is facing towards the U-shaped segment.
 14. The support element of claim 11, wherein each undercut surface is inclined with respect to an extraction direction of the axial tract of line to enable extraction of the axial tract of line by a forcing movement.
 15. The support element of claim 1, wherein the base body is flat-plate shaped and the fixture seatings for the complex of distribution lines extend over an internal face thereof, and wherein the support element further comprises a cover removably couplable to the base body and destined to cover at least a part of the internal face which bears the fixture seatings; when the cover is coupled to the base body, a containment space for at least a part of the complex of distribution lines is defined between the internal face of the base body and an internal face of the cover.
 16. The support element of claim 15, wherein the cover exhibits at least one tooth projecting downwards which, when the cover is coupled on the base body, enters at least partially in the fixture seating and limits a raising movement of the axial tract line constrained in the fixture seating.
 17. The support element of claim 15, wherein the internal face of the base body exhibits on a perimeter thereof a raised edge for laterally containing at least a part of the complex of distribution lines, and wherein the cover is flat plate-shaped with a perimeter corresponding to the perimeter of the internal face of the base body.
 18. The support element of claim 17, wherein the base body comprises at least one hooking tab made in a single piece with the base body and destined to removably couple the cover to the base body.
 19. The support element of claim 1, wherein the fixture seating exhibits an axial end tract which extends axially internally of the perimeter side of the base body and an end tract which extends axially externally of the perimeter side of the base body.
 20. A support element for an integrated module for extracorporeal blood treatment, comprising: a base body having at least one part which is flat sheet-shaped with an internal face and an external face; a cover coupled to the base body, for covering at least a part of the internal face of the base body and having at least one part which is flat plate-shaped; when the cover is coupled to the base body a containment space is defined between the internal face of the base body and an internal face of the cover, which containment space is destined to house a complex of fluid distribution lines; means for connecting located on the internal face of the base body for engaging and constraining the complex of fluid distribution lines.
 21. The support element of claim 20, wherein the internal face of the base body exhibits on a perimeter thereof a raised edge for laterally delimiting the containment space for housing the complex of fluid distribution lines, and wherein the cover is flat plate-shaped with a perimeter which corresponds to the perimeter of the internal face of the base body.
 22. The support element of claim 21, wherein the base body comprises at least one hooking tab made in a single piece with the base body and predisposed to removably couple the cover to the base body.
 23. The support element for an integrated module for extracorporeal blood treatment, comprising a base body and at least a fixture seating borne on the base body for receiving and constraining an axial tract of a fluid distribution line, the fixture seating being a channel superiorly affording an opening for forced insertion of the axial tract of line, the channel being axially extended and at least partially axially projecting externalwards beyond a perimeter edge of the base body, at least the part of channel projecting externalwards being laterally delimited by two side-by-side walls each of which exhibits an upper edge delimiting the insertion opening, at least one lateral relief projecting from at least one of the two lateral walls internally of the channel, the at least one lateral relief defining an undercut surface with respect to an extraction direction of the axial tract of line through the superior opening of the channel, the undercut surface being inferiorly arranged with respect to the superior edge of the lateral wall.
 24. The support element for an integrated module for extracorporeal blood treatment, comprising: a base body having at least one flat plate-shaped part with an internal face and an external face; a cover coupled to the base body, for covering at least a part of the internal face of the base body and having at least one part which is flat plate-shaped; when the cover is coupled to the base body a containment space is defined between the internal face of the base body and an internal face of the cover, which containment space is destined to house a complex of fluid distribution lines; at least one guide channel located on the internal face of the base body for receiving at least one axial tract of a fluid distribution line and for defining a guided pathway for the axial tract of line; a height of the guide channel being at least double a width thereof, in order to be able to house and laterally contain at least two axial tracts of line, one of the two axial tracts of line being superposed on another thereof.
 25. The support element of claim 24, wherein the guide channel is delimited by two lateral walls which rise from the internal face of the base body.
 26. The support element of claim 1, comprising at least a first and at least a second connector, associated to the base body and distanced one from another, destined to receive and constrain corresponding seatings of a blood treatment device which is mountable on the support element.
 27. The support element of claim 26, wherein the first and the second connector are made in a single piece with the base body.
 28. The support element of claim 26, comprising at least a third connector, distanced from the first and second connector and made in a single piece with the base body; the first, second and third connectors defining pairs of connectors between them, each pair thereof having a different interaxes from other pairs thereof, the interaxes corresponding with interaxes of pairs of seatings associated to various blood treatment devices which are mountable on the support element.
 29. The support element of claim 26, wherein each of the first, second and third connectors defines a fluid passage having a first terminal portion which is destined to be placed in fluid communication with a corresponding channel present in a respective seating exhibited by the blood treatment device, and a second terminal portion destined to be placed in fluid communication with a fluid distribution line which is associable to the base body.
 30. The support element of claim 29, wherein each of the first, second and third connectors comprises: a tubular channel, defining the first terminal portion; a sealing collar, located in a radially external position with respect to the tubular channel; and a connecting wall, which develops continuously between a lateral external surface of the tubular channel and a lateral internal surface of the sealing collar and defines an annular seating for each seating.
 31. The support element of claim 30, wherein the tubular channel defining the first portion is coaxially arranged with respect to the sealing collar, the annular seating exhibiting a bottom which is delimited by the connecting wall.
 32. The support element of claim 30, wherein the annular seating exhibits a radius which increases in a distal direction from the bottom of the annular seating.
 33. The support element of claim 32, wherein the annular seating exhibits a first zone, adjacent to the bottom and having a constant radius, a second zone, having a constant radius which is larger than the radius of the first zone, and a transitional third zone between the first zone and the second zone which has a radius which progressively increases in a distal direction from the bottom.
 34. The support element of claim 30, wherein the tubular channel and the sealing collar of each of the first, second and third connectors are parallel to each other and emerge from the base body, defining a single coupling direction with the corresponding seatings of a blood treatment device.
 35. The support element of claim 30, wherein the first, second and third connectors and the base body are made of a rigid material giving mechanical support to the blood treatment device.
 36. The support element of claim 30, wherein the first, second and third connectors are not aligned one with another.
 37. The support element of claim 30, wherein the first, second and third connectors are directly constrained on the base body.
 38. The support element of claim 30, wherein the first, second and third connectors are each borne on a face of the base body which face is opposite a face of the base body bearing the fixture seating.
 39. A fluid distribution line for an integrated module for extracorporeal blood treatment, having at least one tract of line which has a larger external diameter than adjacent tracts thereof, giving rise to two external abutments; the at least one tract with larger diameter comprised between the two external abutments being destined for insertion in the fixture seating predisposed on the support element of any one of the preceding claims.
 40. The distribution line of claim 39, comprising at least two of the at least one tract of line with a larger external diameter than adjacent tracts thereof, which at least two tracts of line are axially distanced one from another; a segment of line being comprised between the at least two tracts of line, which segment of line is made to form a U-shaped arched segment which is operatively associated to a peristaltic pump.
 41. The distribution line of claim 39, wherein each tract having a larger external diameter comprises a junction collar which contains and joins two end zones of two parts of fluid-connected line.
 42. The distribution line of claim 41, wherein the junction collar is made of a more rigid material than the two end zones of the parts of line connected by means of the junction collar.
 43. A series of two elements destined to be coupled one to another, wherein the first element is the support element of claim 1, and the second element is a complex of distribution lines for fluids comprising at least one line according to claim
 39. 44. An assembly process of the series of elements of claim 43, wherein the tract of line having a larger diameter and comprised between the two abutments is inserted in the fixture seating predisposed on the support element, the two abutments coinciding with the axial locator predisposed in the fixture seating, the support element being provided with a cover which is subsequently coupled to the base body in order to cover at least partially the tract of line having a larger diameter.
 45. An assembly process of an integrated module for extracorporeal treatment of blood, comprising stages of: predisposing a support element comprising: a base body made of a rigid material; at least a first and at least a second connector made in a single piece with the base body and distanced one from another and destined to receive and constrain seatings of a blood treatment device which is mountable on the support element; each of the first and second connectors defining a fluid passage having a first terminal portion, conformed as a tubular channel and destined to be placed in fluid communication with a corresponding channel present in a respective seating of the seatings of the blood treatment device, the fluid passage having a second terminal portion, destined to be set in fluid communication with a complex of fluid distribution lines associable to the base body; a sealing collar, located in a radially external position to the tubular channel; and a connecting wall developing continuously between an external lateral surface of the tubular channel and an internal lateral surface of the sealing collar and defining an annular seating for engaging with the seating of the seatings; fixing a blood treatment device to the support element; associating a complex of fluid distribution lines to the support element and the blood treatment device.
 46. The assembly process of claim 45, wherein the support element comprises a third connector and wherein a stage of fixture comprises sub-stages of: selecting a pair of connectors from the first, second and third connectors to which two seatings borne by the blood treatment device are to be fixed; depositing a predetermined quantity of glue in the annular seatings of each of the selected pair of seatings; at least partially inserting each seating in a respective annular seating in order to achieve a mechanical constraint and a sealed coupling resistant to passage of liquid.
 47. An integrated module for extracorporeal blood treatment, comprising: a support element made according to claim 1; at least one blood treatment device mounted on the support element comprising at least a first chamber and at least a second chamber which are separated by at least one semi-permeable membrane; a complex of fluid distribution lines associated to the support element and cooperating with the blood treatment device.
 48. The integrated module of claim 47, wherein the complex of fluid distribution lines comprises at least one line made according to claim
 39. 49. An integrated module for extracorporeal blood treatment, comprising: a support element comprising: a base body having at least a part thereof shaped as a flat plate with an internal face and an external face; a cover couplable to the base body, for covering at least a part of the internal face of the base body and having at least a part thereof shaped as a flat plate; when the cover is coupled to the base body a containment space being defined between the internal face of the base body and an internal face of the cover, which containment space can house at least a part of a complex of fluid distribution lines; at least a fixture seating exhibited by the internal face of the base body and axially extending for receiving an axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line; at least one axial locator being predisposed for positioning the tract of line in a fixed position, the at least one axial locator being destined to interact contactingly with a corresponding locator element predisposed on the axial tract of line, the fixture seating being at least partially covered by the cover; at least one blood treatment device mounted on the external face of the support element and comprising at least a first chamber and at least a second chamber separated by at least one semi-permeable membrane; a complex of fluid distribution lines associated to the support element and cooperating with the blood treatment device, at least a part of the complex of fluid distribution lines being housed in the containment space, which complex of lines comprises at least one line having at least one axially extended tract inserted in the fixture seating and provided with at least one axial locator which interacts contacting with the at least one axial locator in the fixture seating for positioning the tract of line in a fixed position.
 50. The module of claim 47, wherein the blood treatment device is fixed to a base body made according to claim 26, and is fixed by at least one pair of connectors from the first, second and third connectors.
 51. The module of claim 50, wherein the at least one pair of connectors is interpositioned between the seatings and a portion of the fluid distribution line.
 52. The module of claim 50, wherein the blood treatment device comprises: a containment body; at least one semi-permeable membrane operating internally of the containment body and defining a first chamber and a second chamber; a first and a second counter-connector, associated to the containment body and fixed to first, second or third connectors associated to the base body, the first connector and the second connector being set in fluid connection with the second chamber of the blood treatment device and with respective first terminal portions of the first connector and the second connector; at least one inlet port to the first chamber; and at least one outlet port from the first chamber.
 53. The module of claim 52, wherein the complex of fluid distribution lines comprises at least one discharge line of waste fluid set in communication with the second terminal portion of one of the first, second and third connectors.
 54. The module of claim 53, wherein the complex of fluid distribution lines comprises at least one infeed line of a treatment fluid, set in communication with the second terminal portion of another of the first, second and third connectors.
 55. The module of claim 52, wherein the complex of fluid distribution lines comprises at least one blood withdrawal line, set in communication with the inlet port of the first chamber, and at least one blood return line, set in communication with the outlet port of the first chamber.
 56. The module of claim 53, wherein at least one of the lines is constrained to the support element, defining at least one U-shaped arched segment on the support element and being destined to cooperate in use with a peristaltic pump.
 57. The module of claim 56, wherein the U-shaped segment extends externally with respect to the perimeter wall of the support element.
 58. The integrated module of claim 47, for use in treatment of renal insufficiency, wherein the blood treatment device is selected from a group comprising hemofiltration, hemodialysis, high-flow filtration and hemodiafiltration devices.
 59. An apparatus for extracorporeal treatment of blood, comprising: a housing zone for receiving an integrated module for blood treatment made according to claim 47; one or more pumps for fluid circulation predisposed to cooperate with the complex of fluid distribution lines of the module. 